Three bishops say Iowa migrants deserve better after raid, floods

"Inhumane" conditions

Aug 12, 2008

Iowa bishops from three denominations have demanded an overhaul of U.S. immigration policy in the wake of a government raid on a large kosher slaughterhouse and allegations of worker mistreatment during relief efforts after June’s floods.

“We are concerned that we would substitute any level of fearmongering . . . for the hard work of getting a humane and just immigration policy,” United Methodist bishop Gregory Palmer said July 10.

In a telephone press conference organized by the group Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, the bishops condemned the government’s handling of a May 2 raid at a kosher slaughterhouse in Postville, Iowa, which resulted in the arrest of nearly 400 undocumented workers.